WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, joined a majority of his House colleagues today in passing legislation that would allow new pipeline projects to come online safely and efficiently to help meet the nation’s need for affordable and reliable energy. The legislation – H.R. 161, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act – would expedite the federal review process for applications for natural gas pipeline certificates by imposing statutory deadlines on agencies involved in the review process. The legislation was approved by the House by a bipartisan vote of 253 to 169.

“The United States is the world’s leader in the production of natural gas and we want to stay in the No. 1 spot by allowing safe and timely pipeline projects to go into production,” said Upton, who is also chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “American ingenuity and technology can bring this wealth of energy to folks living in Southwest Michigan and across the nation in a safe and affordable manner.”

To view the bill online click here, and to view letters of support for the bill click here.

###